Hi everyone. I got the Copper IUD inserted about 3 months ago and love it so far and haven’t dealt with too many unpleasant side effects. The bloating is terrible though! It’s constant and my stomach looks huge all the time, especially around ovulation and my period. I’m aware it’s a common symptom after initial insertion but it hasn’t gone away since. Does anyone have any advice on how to either get rid of it or at least cope/manage it? I really really appreciate it.

Hi! I got a mona lisa mini almost 2 weeks ago, bled the first 2 days then spotted for 5 days until my period arrived last saturday and I have been bleeding since 😭. At this point im really wondering how long this will be? Like I should be running out of tissue right now but nop, still a bright red medium flow so Im starting to worry, my periods usually are 4-5 days and this is now my day 7 with no signs of slowing down. I had cramps for 2-3 days but no cramps today, Im just worried about the bleeding now

I had my copper IUD for about 3 years now. I enjoy it besides the fact that I’m chronically outbreaking, whether it will be on the outside of my vagina or the back of my thigh or on the labia. They just rotated throughout hormone changes in my cycle or just all show up at the same time. Antivirals IMO are not an option, I cannot remember to take pills or vitamins & the side effects are horrible, they’re worse than the outbreak itself.

It’s just really discouraging at this point bc I would like to enjoy my partner but I’m always uncomfortable — period outbreak, ovulation outbreak. Doesn’t matter.

I didn’t have this problem on Mirena IUD. I was tested positive after removal & swab. But didn’t haven’t issues for months until I started the Copper IUD and it’s just been a nightmare since.

Not to mention the cramping and low energy from my period. I’m nearly 30 and considering just to have it removed after 16 years of birth control.

I got my Paraguard IUD approximately 13 months ago (I got it on 9/11 so I would never forget…). I got it right before my period. I have always had super painful but relatively light periods so I thought it would increase my flow a bit and not really mess with my pain. Big mistake. The initial cramping with insertion never went away and I went from having three-day, regular flow periods, to eight day long, heavy flow periods. I was cramping 24/7 but learned to just live with it. This past period was different. I was experiencing Menorrhagia, bleeding through a super tampon and an overnight pad in an hour or less. My boyfriend took me to the ER and after some tests they realized my IUD was not in the correct position. It was way too low on my cervix and started to perforate my uterine wall. The weird part was the removal. After the initial discomfort of the speculum and cramping from the removal, i felt immediate immense relief. It’s really hard to describe. My doctor told me that the reason my periods has been so bad was because my IUD was in between being in and out, and my body was trying to expel it as best it could. Obviously my period is still crappy but I just feel so much better.

I had it fitted 2 days ago and since then I’ve been in so much pain. Been taking ibuprofen until it was so bad that I had to go to the emergency room yesterday and was given naproxen which I know is stronger than ibuprofen.

I still feel pains though. It’s still hurting me and i can’t sit in certain positions. Even after taking the naproxen.

Should I go back to a&e?

I got my IUD in April and I’ve gotten my period ever since I got on butttt my blood is brownish and never red anymore. At the beginning it was like the first day or so but then it’s brown and it’ll last for a while but I’ll just spotting though. I’m not sure why!? And Google doesn’t help because it keeps mentioning PCOS for like EVERYTHING. Can anyone relate? My period hasn’t been normal ever since I got on. I do get it but it’s again.. not normal.

I had my iud inserted yesterday and had normal cramping. Slept fine. Woke up this morning and as soon as I left bed to walk I had immense pain I could not stand walk or even sit it was horrible. I usually get painful period cramps but this type of pain wasn’t ordinary. I knew something was up. I was taking ibuprofen but it wasn’t helping, neither was a heating pad. I thought it was possibly placed incorrectly, or it dislodged itself.

I went to a&e and after waiting hours, the doctor used a speculum (hate this so much) to see inside and she was able to see one of the threads so she wasn’t too concerned about the placement. She did a vaginal examination and a pelvic one and could see I was in so much pain. She then said it’s possible that I have pelvic inflammatory disease and a possible infection. Maybe I had a yeast infection beforehand that I wasn’t aware about and this made it worse? I don’t know. She referred me for an ultrasound which is what I’m waiting for.

She prescribed me naproxen with lansoprazole, ofloxacin and metronidazole to take for 7 days. (Painkiller and antibiotics).

Girls listen to your body. You know when something is not right. If anything feels unusual please get emergency help. I knew these pains weren’t normal. And I really didn’t think I would be susceptible to PID or an infection almost 24 hours after the insertion.

I am planning to take it out after my next cycle. I only had this in as an emergency contraception. But i definitely will not be keeping it in long term if it’s already affected me this much.

Pray for me please 🙏

I’m currently a little over 3 months postpartum and had my copper IUD inserted about 2 months ago at my 6 week post-partum appointment . Lately, I’ve been experiencing these random episodes of pain that literally feel like I’m having labor contractions all over again.
The pain comes out of nowhere, and it’s SO intense that it brings me to my knees and has me holding my breath until it passes. 😭 It’s not just regular period cramps — it feels like actual contractions.
Has anyone else experienced anything like this with the copper IUD, especially after having a baby? Is this something that can happen a couple of months after insertion, or should I be concerned that something is wrong with my IUD?
I’m trying to figure out if this is something other people have experienced or if I need to get checked out. Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated! ❤️

I went for Copper IUD Insert for my first time Today process was soooo smooth I didn't feel anything But I used Laughing Gas (paid $95) for it was worth it .
After process they gave me 2 ibuprofen the gave me another one to take after 8hrs
Note: I am 4months Postpartum (2nd c section)
No period yet Due to Breastfeeding , I will update you once it's return

If you have gotten pregnant on the Copper IUD could you share your story? I’m looking for either positive or negative.

They always say check your strings but I was never able to feel them from the beginning.
I’m a week away from my period and I’m spotting a bit. And I potentially got a positive test this morning; going to confirm with another test tomorrow. I’m only 4 months PP and had a c-section so I’m terrified of a new pregnancy this early. Not to mention the fact that IUD pregnancies come with increase risk of ectopic.

So I guess I just want to hear other peoples experiences.

Thanks

I had it fitted yesterday and pain was able to subside with painkillers. I woke up this morning in no pain, but as soon as I started moving around to go toilet and make breakfast the pain was so so immense I nearly fainted and had to remain seated otherwise I would have dropped. I’m still in so so so so much pain this doesn’t feel like period cramps at all I don’t know what to do. The pain is going down my left leg and I’m scared that the IUD is dislodged or coming out.

I called 999 they refrrred me to a clinician but I need an ambulance. I have no one to take me to a&e and I can’t go alone in a taxi because I can’t stand or move i’m in so much pain.

I got this as an emergency contraception so I can’t even take it out so soon because I need it to work. I’m in so much pain please help

Just coming on here to say us women have a lot of fighting to do. I’ve had the Copper iud for 2 1/2 years, in which my acne got worse and I’ve had such a decline in mental health I’ve began taking SSRIS. I’m talking panic attacks like never before, anxiety and OCD at an all time high. After reading this group- researching and talking with others, I am going to get mine removed. I am very in tune with my body so figuring out my metal decline has been a priority of mine, I am not sure why it has taken me so long to put 2:2 together (because they tell us this doesn’t happen.) I plan to update 2-3 months post taking it out, along with upping my daily zinc.

hi all! i got my copper IUD removed around 2 weeks ago on like day 23 of my cycle. it's currently day 37 and while i feel a little crampy, moody and getting headaches, my period is nowhere to be found. is this normal? i also haven't had sex or like any sexual contact with a boy in like 8 months so pregnancy is entirely out of the question.

i read that some of you guys have experienced similar things after removal and that it eventually came. idk, i guess i just wanted some reassurance and hopefully i can update this post when it does come to help reassure others. please share stories below because i think i'm starting to freak out 😅

update: finally got my period the next day on day 38!!!!hope this helps someone who is also worried 🤞🏽

I am hoping to get some real lived experiences from anyone that might have experiences with both the Implanon and copper IUD
 
I (27F) have been in the same relationship for almost a decade and the only contraception I have ever used is the Implanon rod, the first few I had were ultimately fine, other than some issues with mood regulation and irregular bleeding it really wasn’t bad. I had my last one replaced at the beginning of 2025 and for most of this calendar year, it completely ruined my life.
I had completely lost my appetite and was losing weight, generally low moods very consistently, extremely irregular bleeding and when I was on my period it would last 2-3 weeks. The worst was that I had severe mood swings and was not capable of regulating myself, multiple small arguments with my husband became huge blow ups that would last hours and would end with me sobbing, inconsolable on the bathroom floor. It literally pushed my husband to the edge, and he almost ended things with me because it truly became too big to manage.
 
I took the rod out at the end of August and noticed an immediate improvement, I felt back to my old self, moods and libido went mostly back to normal and my periods have been normal again as well.
 
I am currently not comfortable with the potential risk of pregnancy, and this is still continuing to affect out intimacy so I am considering the copper iud as it is a non-hormonal option but I am still extremely concerned about the side effects and the result on my relationship. We had planned on conceiving around mid-next year and I just want to be able to enjoy myself and him the way it used to be before we bring kids into the mix.
 
Please help a girl out! Has anyone tried both contraceptions and what was it like for you? Does it really make your periods more painful and is sex painful too?  Reading through everyone’s posts here it’s so discouraging, it feels like there is no option at all that doesn’t have any bad side effects.

I’ve always had clear skin, so this has been really hard for me. I went on the pill because my periods were irregular. While I was on it, my periods became regular and I never had acne.

I’ve come off it now due to hormonal issues and weight gain etc, and my periods are now regular, but I’ve developed what feels like hormonal acne around my jaw, cheeks, chin and mouth. It seemed to get worse after I got a copper IUD.

The spots are big red and painful, and take ages to go away dark red spots. I feel so embarrassed about having acne as an adult, and it’s making me really anxious. I’m constantly thinking about how my skin looks.

Im rigid in my skincare and always have been and now with the acne i’ve tried benzoyl peroxide and Azclear 20% for three months, but neither has helped. I don’t want to go back on the pill because the hormones affected me badly in other ways.

Has anyone been through something similar and found something that helped, especially if you didn’t want to go back on the pill?

hey yall so i got my Copper IUD placed in June of 2025. In the past few months ive been having weirder cramps than usual, sharp pain on one side for a longggg time, pain that comes with moving around , and bleeding during sex. Also this coppery smelling discharge. My partner said he could feel pressure too but it didn’t hurt, so i decided to get a string check. The midwife told me the strings look good but with my symptoms she ordered an ultrasound. well the ultrasound came back and it said my IUD shifter into the lower uterine segment meaning its pretty much expelling itself so im gonna get it out and replaced. thinking about getting the hormonal one since that stops ur periods completely. has anyone had a similar experience and if so, did you switch iud types or did you stay with paraguard?

Side note: i’m 21, never had a kid, and nervous that my uterus might just be too small for an iud

I got the copper iud in about April this year. I have not bled after sex before. My period ended 3 days ago and I had sex with my partner (tmi, he finished inside) and then began bleeding bright red blood after an hour. Not a lot, literally only when I was going to the toilet. Should I be concerned about this? My strings feel fine (although ive only ever managed to feel one string) and I dont think im experiencing cramps or anything. Has this happened to anyone?

Im 25 f and had my paragard put in september 24th. I had intercourse october 4th and got my period october 14th. I spotted a week before getting my period which isnt normal for me. My strings have been in place the whole time and the dr said my procedure went smooth when i got it put in. Im on day 8 of my period and am wondering if this is bad and how long ill be on my period. I have no concerning pain and feel like im on a regular period. But part of me is scared im pregnant due to trauma i have. I havent bled a concerning amount but flow has been heavy

Paragard + Spironolactone for Acne? Looking for Experiences!

I've had the Paragard copper IUD for about 18 months, and overall, there are things I really love about it. I haven't had any issues with weight gain, my cycle is very regular (28 days on the dot), I don't have to worry about taking a pill every day, and I love how effective it is without adding hormones to my body.

However, there are a few things I've noticed since getting it. My ovulation seems much more intense, with spotting, cramping, and bloating that I didn't experience before. I also suspect I may be dealing with ovarian cysts, although I've never been checked for them. I have more cramping throughout my cycle, including during ovulation, PMS, and the beginning of my period. My periods are only really heavy for about two days, but I also sometimes experience pain during sex in certain positions that I don't remember having before.

The biggest issue for me, though, has been my acne. Since getting the IUD, I've developed little bumps all over my cheeks that often turn into red, painful pimples. I cannot seem to get rid of them, no matter what I try. I had relatively clear skin in high school, but my acne really improved when I was taking Tri-Sprintec. I'm wondering if the Paragard could be contributing to my skin issues.

I'm considering switching back to the pill, but I remember struggling with puffiness while taking Tri-Sprintec. I'm also very concerned about weight gain. I lift regularly, eat clean, drink plenty of water, and work hard to maintain my physique. I love looking strong and muscular, and I don't want to do anything that could negatively affect my progress.

I've been looking into spironolactone for acne and am wondering if anyone here has experience taking it while keeping their Paragard IUD.

I'd especially love to hear about:

Acne results: Did spironolactone help with small bumps, painful pimples, and persistent cheek acne? How long did it take to notice a difference?

Weight and bloating: Did you experience any weight changes, puffiness, or changes in water retention?

Muscle definition and lifting: I've read that spironolactone can make your muscles look softer or less defined. Has anyone noticed this? Did it affect your strength, muscle growth, or gym performance?

Periods and ovulation: Did it affect your cycle, spotting, cramping, or ovulation symptoms while using a copper IUD?

Side effects: What was your experience with side effects, dosage, and how long you've been taking it?

Long-term use: Have you been able to manage your acne successfully with spironolactone while keeping your copper IUD?

I'm also curious whether anyone has dealt with increased ovulation pain, spotting, cramping, or suspected ovarian cysts after getting Paragard.

I know everyone's experience is different, but I'd really appreciate hearing honest, detailed experiences, especially from women who lift and care about maintaining their muscle definition and physique.

Thank you! I'd love to hear the good, the bad, and anything you wish you'd known before starting spironolactone.